Florida Technological University was created on June 10, 1963 when Florida Gov. Farris Bryant signed Bill 125. The first classes at "Florida Tech" were held Oct. 7, 1968. On Dec. 6, 1978, FTU was renamed the University of Central Florida when Gov. Reubin Askew signed legislation changing the name to reflect how the university's academic scope had expanded beyond its technological and scientific beginnings to encompass other disciplines, including business, education and liberal arts programs.